Story- This is mostly where my quiffs are. The story was, in short, an utter disappointment. They set up for a really solid story, with enough content possible to cover a full shonen series. They then preceded to throw all the potential they built up in the first 2 episodes down the drain and spend over half the first arc introducing each member of Kirito's harem- all of whom do nothing else the rest of the season. By the time they finally get back to the actual plot, they timeskipped through 2 years of missed potential, only to throw away every ounce of potential and turn the second arc into another super mario bros game.
Art- The art is pretty amazing, especially in the battle scenes.
Sound- Easily the best part of the series, the soundtrack for SAO is simply breathtaking. The OP's themselves are good, but not to the point that any one stands out. They're all just solid. And then the battle music- I have only one word to describe the battle themes. EPIC. Just listen to Swordland or Luminous Sword in the background while watching the art set forth by Aniplex- especially the first floor boss fight in EP 2. You will understand.
Characters- The worst character development I have seen in an anime to date. There is only really one character- the male protagonist known as Kirito IG- or Kazuto Kirigaya IRL. And man is he a disappointment of a main character. He is a antisocial solo player- in an mmo game- and still manages to be the best player in the game. Like, he's way too OP for his own good. Other than Kirito, every other character falls into one of 4 categories:
1.) A female, in which case instantly becomes a part of Kirito's harem after 1 episode of introduction, then proceeds to do nothing the rest of the series.
2.) A male supporting character that is so overshadowed by Kirito that they get about 20 mins of screentime per season.
3.) An antagonist that either has no motive or is too laughable to be a villain.
4.) Asuna. Kirito's love interest. Debuted in ep 2, she showed so much potential as an amazing female lead. And then she became Princess Peach.
Enjoyment- This series is easily one of the most enjoyable anime I have watched, for the sole reason that I apply to the target audience of antisocial gamers who would love nothing better than to be in Kirito's place. Anyone unfamiliar or uninterested in MMO's will find very little enjoyment in this series. And, of course, the look and sound helped, too.
Overall, this anime is a disappointment, but makes up for the story and characters with superb music and art. I don't recommend this to anyone who doesn't find enjoyment out of a video game, but if that's your thing dive right in, cause it's gonna be a ride.
